Aryna Sabalenka lost another deciding set without winning a game as an impressive Jessica Pegula beat the world number one to reach the Berlin Open final.
Belarusian Sabalenka never looked settled against Pegula, who recovered from losing a tight second set to come through 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-0.
American Pegula had lost five of her past six matches against Sabalenka but her flat shots and superb return of serve anchored her performance this time around.
For Sabalenka it is another disappointing deciding-set performance, having lost the third set of her French Open quarter-final 6-0 after squandering a set and double break lead.
Pegula had fought back from 5-2 down in the second set to force a tie-break and led 3-1 before rain delayed play for an hour.
When they returned, Sabalenka won six of the next seven points to force a deciding set – only for Pegula to dominate the top seed.
“She came out and ripped a bunch of winners and I told myself ‘I guess I wanted to win in the hard way anyway’,” Pegula, 32, said.
“I don’t get super emotional. People used to tell me when I was younger that I need to yell more and jump up and down.
“Honestly, it feels like a waste of energy to me. I just try to be myself.”
Pegula will face either Czech Linda Noskova or Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in Sunday’s final.
BBC News
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% OffGhost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% OffMarc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% OffTed Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 20/06/2026 03:33 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% OffVera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% OffChristina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% OffCalvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% OffJimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% OffFruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
28% OffATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
Now retrieving the rating.
17% OffMen's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
Now retrieving the rating.
£5.88 (as of 12/11/2025 00:52 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)